A shortline survivor and the loneliest Soo Line Decapod

Last weekend on the way back from Thanksgiving, my wife and I drove through north-central Wisconsin and found two rarities that I wanted to share with you. One is a shortline steam locomotive, Marinette Tomahawk & Western 2-6-0 No. 19, on display in its hometown. The other is a one-of-a-kind locomotive on its owner’s roster, Soo Line 2-10-0 No. 950. The 1923 Mogul lives in Tomahawk, Wis., and the 1900 Decapod in Ashland, Wis. Thankfully, both of these fine Baldwin products have roofs over their cabs and appear to be weathering the years in retirement well.  

What’s so rare about a Mogul or a 2-10-0 survivor? I know of plenty of Moguls, and more than a handful still in steam. While the type was always relatively rare, there are 13 Decapods left, and two, are in steam, notably Strasburg Rail Road No. 90 and Illinois Railway Museum’s former Frisco engine, No. 1630.  

Let’s start with the old timer, the Decapod, which was apparently the only one of its wheel arrangement on the Soo roster. A sign attached to the display claims the engine was the biggest in the world when built (a statement that with all due respect, I’d like to research further); was used between Minneapolis and Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; worked the Superior, Wis., ore docks from 1912 to 1929; took a yard job in Minneapolis and St. Paul; and was assigned to Ashland’s ore docks in 1942, where it continued until dieselization in 1954. Compared to the Russian Decapods I’m familiar with, this one is low-slung, compact, and squat – something like an overgrown Consolidation.

The Mogul is unusual because there just aren’t many shortline locomotives preserved. Oh, there are a few, and while we’re talking about Decapods, four of the survivors are from Georgia’s long-lived Gainesville Midland fleet.  But think about it. Compared to the hundreds of Class I railroad steam locomotives preserved, the saved shortline steam power is miniscule. I’d wager that more are in museums than are stuffed and mounted in city parks. She’s been a local icon for a long time: A sign attached to the display says her last day of service was Sept. 14, 1957, and that she was put on display soon after. One other thing I noted about No. 19 is that from outside the fence, she appears to have a complete backhead. She’s also wired for Christmas holiday lights, so folks apparently still appreciate this old timer. Personally, I think she’s a gorgeous six-coupled engine with handsome lines and would be a great runner on a tourist line. I’d take her home with me if I could.

In 12 of living in Wisconsin, I’ve not strayed in search of steam from the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay or Mid-Continent Railroad Museum in North Freedom. Now I feel bad about that. I could have been appreciating these two fine old iron horses a long time ago. After all, they’re both unique in their own rights. Go see them, and tell them Jim sent you.